Open House Party

It's been suggested by Avon that I hold an open house or grand opening displaying a lot of products that guests can purchase or sample. I'm thinking about it.

Does this kind of thing help sales or is it just a huge expense and a lot of work?

From what I've heard the home party plan can be an effective marketing method for Avon, Tupperware, and the like.

I know it worked well years ago. I remember having a few tupperware parties myself. I don't know if the busy women these days would take time out from their families to go to an Avon party. It seems that everyone is so short on time.

Originally Posted by ozzie Does this kind of thing help sales or is it just a huge expense and a lot of work?

I'd have to say that it depends on the product. In your case, I'd think that it would be pretty vital to have some kind of product demonstration. Even in my own case, I can tell you that I haven't bought Avon products but probably would if I'd be able to actually smell the fragrances and see the cosmetics, etc.

This article says that the party plan method works. http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech...20/20sales.htm

Companies like Avon, Longaberger, Tupperware, Pampered Chef and the like spend TONS of money figuring out what works and what doesn't. In addtion, they count on feedback from thier top marketers to help them define the "sales process". If they say to do it, then I would.

There is no reason to reinvent the wheel. Like TommyMac5 said these other companies have already determined what works and what doesn't.

Originally Posted by SpeedRacer There is no reason to reinvent the wheel. Like TommyMac5 said these other companies have already determined what works and what doesn't.

I agree with this... Avon must know that people just won't buy cosmetics and fragrance without a demonstration/ sample. There will be repeat customers who already know the products, but there's a whole lot of people out there you'll want to introduce to the products for the first time.

Ozzie does Avon provide training on how to conduct these home parties?

Originally Posted by Gilbert This article says that the party plan method works. http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech...20/20sales.htm

Thanks everyone for your comments and opinions. Gilbert, I appreciate you listing the article for me too. You guys are a big help when it comes to helping me decide things.

Avon does provide a lot of training both online and in the manuals I received with my start-up kit.